Empire Season 3 Episode 1 Review: Light in Darkness

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Have you picked your jaw up off the floor after that action packed hour? 

After months of finally waiting Empire Season 3 Episode 1 picks up right where Empire Season 2 left off. As Anika and Rhonda are fighting on the roof, one of them falls off the balcony. Were you guys shocked to see who it was?  

Lucious and Cookie - Empire Season 3 Episode 1

Well the wait is over...Rhonda sadly was killed off in the season premiere. Which is bittersweet, as Rhonda and Andre's storylines were of importance; there seemed to be a disconnect from the rest of the Lyon family. 

Where does that leave Andre? We've seen how volatile he can be. That was displayed in the opening minutes as he was choking Anika which put her into labor. With his wife gone there is no telling what his next moves will be. 

Lucious does not care about anyone but himself, and it's only a matter of time before everything comes back to haunt him. Terrence Howard can act! He portrays Lucious so well that you can't help but love to hate this character. Just when you think that there might be some good in Lucious – as he shares these warm moments with Cookie – he goes and threatens his son Jamal. 

This is our legacy on the line.

Lucious

The bright moment in this episode, particularly, was Jamal, as he is trying to bring everyone together. Lee Daniels and Co. did a really nice job paying tribute to the Orlando shooting. Who else could feel the pain, though, as Jamal ran off the stage? Smollet conveys Jamal's pain as so real and natural. We, as viewers, are feeling what he is feeling. 

I also can't help but worry about Jamal, as it looks like he is turning to pills to cover up the pain. It's a dark road, and for a character that has been the bright spot of the show for so long? It would be a shame for them to ruin such a strong character. I'm not saying it will happen, because he can very well bounce back from this, but that is the route I see the powers-that-be going. 

You about as trustworthy as a snake in a hamster cage.

Leah

That family dinner was a little awkward and tense. This so called "family" is all about protecting each other and looking out for one another when they would do anything to get what they want. Tariq can see that they are all putting on an act just to save face.

Who else got grossed out by Anika and Lucious kissing? I, for one, felt super uncomfortable about it. I'm team Cookie and truly believe that Lucious and Cookie are endgame. The chemistry between them is unavoidable, and sparks fly when they're in the same room together. 

You want a to-go plate?

Cookie

Andre sitting on the couch as he kept telling himself "Andre messed up" was heartbreaking. I wanted to just hug him and tell him that everything was all right, none of it was his fault. Death will take a toll on any person but for someone to feel completely alone, and on top of it deal with a mental illness such as bipolar disorder? He is going to need his family more than ever. 

Successful Streaming - Empire

The tension between Lucious and Hakeem is dangerous. Poor Hakeem. All he wants to do is learn how to be a good dad, and Lucious is taking that away from him. It's only a matter of time before Hakeem takes matters into his own hands. 

Whoever the girl playing Nessa is, props to her, as that girl can sing! I was blown away when she took over for Jamal. This just means that Shyne now has something on Lucious which will be a fun storyline to watch play out. 

Without me you're just some Philly thug with mental problems.

Rhonda

That ending!

I was shocked to find out Tariq had planted a camera in Bella's teddy bear. Was anyone shocked by the first episode? What did you think about Rhonda dying? Where does it leave Cookie now that Lucious is married to Anika? Do you think that Andre will do something drastic?

I really want to hear what you guys have to say! Don't forget you can watch Empire online via TV Fanatic if you missed the explosive premiere or if you just want to watch it again. 

Light in Darkness Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 (15 Votes)
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Empire Season 3 Episode 1 Quotes

This is our legacy on the line.

Lucious

Y'all think you smelling blood in the water but y'all better check ya panties.

Lucious